In a thrilling warm-up fixture for the 2023 World Cup, Bangladesh displayed their prowess with a clinical seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Guwahati on Friday, September 29. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling efforts restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total on what was a typically good batting strip. Young talents Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan then showcased their skills with a professional batting performance to secure the victory.
Earlier in the afternoon, Sri Lanka won the toss but couldn’t fully capitalize on the favorable batting conditions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera got off to a brisk start, with Perera playing the aggressor. However, a lingering shoulder injury forced Perera to retire hurt. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis maintained the momentum, but once their partnership was broken, Sri Lanka struggled to find their way. Many of their batsmen got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. A determined fifty by Dhananjaya de Silva, along with support from the lower order, helped Sri Lanka post a respectable, albeit underwhelming total.
Mahedi Hasan emerged as the standout bowler for Bangladesh, while his more famous namesake, Mehidy, bowled a tidy spell. Mehidy then showcased his batting prowess by scoring a crafty unbeaten fifty after opening pair Tanzid and Liton had put on a chanceless 131-run stand to strengthen Bangladesh’s advantage. The pitch seemed to improve under the lights, and with a not-so-threatening target to chase, the result was all but guaranteed. It’s worth noting that Mustafizur Rahman and Maheesh Theekshana did not bowl for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively, while Shakib Al Hasan and Najmul Shanto were among the absentees for this clash.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka 263/9 in 49.1 overs (Pathum Nissanka 68, Dhananjaya de Silva 55; Mahedi Hasan 3-36)
- Bangladesh 264/3 in 42 overs (Tanzid Hasan 84, Mehidy Hasan 67*, Litton Das 61)
- Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Note: The warm-up game between South Africa and Afghanistan at Greenfield Stadium, Trivandrum, was unfortunately washed out due to incessant rains, with not even the toss taking place.